The Universal Guaranteed Pension (PGU) is a Chilean state benefit aimed at improving the income of older adults in the country. Through the PGU, the aim is to guarantee a minimum income for those who have reached 65 years of age and meet certain requirements, regardless of whether or not they are affiliated with any pension system. In the context of the current Pension Reform, promoted by the Government, important changes are being debated that would affect the amount of the PGU, with the aim of offering even greater economic support for older adults.
Currently, the PGU grants its beneficiaries a amount of 219 thousand pesos per month, but the reform project proposes increasing this figure to 250 thousand pesos. According to the Minister of Labor, Jeanette Jara, this improvement in the amount of the pension is one of the key elements in the legislative discussion, and its implementation will depend on the approval of the pension reform. This increase is seen as a measure to address the economic needs of older adults and contribute to greater security in old age.
This adjustment It is part of the discussion on the distribution of individual contributions and other aspects of the pension system. The proposal does not have a defined application date, but the Government has set the goal of achieving its approval in Congress by January 2025. Minister Jara has stressed that this deadline is essential for the increase in the PGU to become effective in the next year, providing greater stability to older adults.
To access the PGUapplicants must meet certain requirements, such as being at least 65 years old and belonging to the 90% of the population with the lowest income. In addition, it is necessary to have resided in Chile for at least 20 years in total and four of the last five years before submitting the application. Another important criterion is that the applicant’s base pension must not exceed the amount of 1,158,355 pesos, which includes all pensions received by the beneficiary.
The request for the PGU It can be done in person at the branches of ChileAtiende or the Social Security Institute (IPS), as well as in some municipalities. It is also possible to complete the process online on the ChileAtiende or IPS website, entering with the RUT and the Unique Code. Those affiliated with an AFP or insurance company can also manage the application through these entities, facilitating access to the benefit.
